Mock draft: OT Fisher an option at No. 1

Weaker draft makes first round more interesting

No one will mistake Christian Ponder for Peyton Manning, but the Vikings are currently connected to the former Florida State quarterback and need to add weapons to help him succeed. Although he won't "wow" athletically, Hopkins is a polished route runner and knows how to separate and create.

The Colts have done an admirable job on defense in their first season utilizing the 3-4 scheme, but need to add more bulk up front. Hankins has the natural size to be a space-eater in the middle, but also has experience on the outside, showing the versatility the NFL will love.

25. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS -- DATONE JONES, DE, UCLA

The Seahawks have one of the better defensive fronts in the NFC, but it wouldn't be surprising to see them add some depth, especially at pass rusher. Jones has the versatility to line up inside, outside and standing up, providing a pass rush from several different angles.

26. GREEN BAY PACKERS -- ARTHUR BROWN, LB, KANSAS STATE

For most of the season, it seemed evident that the Packers needed to add more speed on defense and that was never more true than Green Bay's loss in the playoffs to San Francisco. Brown has a nose for the ball with the position versatility to play inside or outside in the Packers scheme.

27. HOUSTON TEXANS -- KEENAN ALLEN, WR, CALIFORNIA

The Texans drafted two receivers last season, but they still need to find an adequate weapon opposite Andre Johnson, who isn't getting any younger himself. Allen might slip a bit on draft day due to his knee injury, but he would be great value with this pick and projects as an impact NFL starter.

28. DENVER BRONCOS -- KAWANN SHORT, DT, PURDUE

The Broncos starting defensive tackles from a year ago (Justin Bannan, Kevin Vickerson) are both free agents and depth on the interior line must be addressed. Short doesn't play with the consistency to make him a higher selection, but he has a wide base and stays light on his feet for a 310-pounder.

29. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -- DESMOND TRUFANT, CB, WASHINGTON

The Patriots need to stop the bleeding in the secondary by adding more depth on the outside at cornerback. Trufant still needs some technique work, but he has the quickness, hips and experience that will be enticing to New England with this pick.

30. ATLANTA FALCONS -- CORNELLIUS CARRADINE, DE, FLORIDA STATE

While Tony Gonzalez's retirement decision could determine whether the Falcons look at tight end here, Atlanta needs to upgrade the defensive end position. While his November ACL tear is worrisome, Carradine might be worth the chance with this pick as long as his recovery process stays on track.

31. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS -- JOHNTHAN BANKS, CB, MISSISSIPPI STATE

San Francisco has one of the best defenses in the league, but some of their weaknesses in coverage were exposed in the 2012 NFL Playoffs. Banks is a tall, ballhawking corner with the potential to contribute early and often.

32. BALTIMORE RAVENS -- KEVIN MINTER, ILB, LSU

The Ravens are World Champions, but they also have needs all over their defense, including at middle linebacker where Ray Lewis leaves a gaping hole. Minter will never be the fastest athlete on the field, but he plays smart, alert football with a nose for the ball in the run game.

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